TIME FOR OHIO TO ENACT SENSIBLE MARIJUANA LAWS

Dick Feagler's terrific column on marijuana made me wonder how we as a
nation are able to justify a drug policy that attacks medical
marijuana patients, while letting the alcohol industry make
commercials encouraging people to drink.

The Ohio Patient Network is trying to change the current status of
cannabis law so patients who benefit from the utilization of marijuana
for the treatment of chronic and debilitating illnesses can use it
under the guidance of their doctor. The fight to get a reasonable law
passed can be discouraging.

The price of Marinol (a legal form of THC) is around $1,600 for a one-
month's supply. We have no idea how a black-market substance can be
cheaper than its legal alternative, but we have found that marijuana,
in its natural form, is far more effective and less expensive than the
government's so-called "medical-marijuana-pill."

With our membership at more than 600 people, we find it difficult to
find a state representative to introduce reasonable marijuana
legislation. For some reason, they are being intimidated by those in
higher places and end up shying away from such a law.

State government must take the sick and wounded off the battlefield
while it fights its losing war on drugs.

Jim White

Columbus

White is vice president of Ohio Patient Network.